Journey to Russian Switzerland
Description:
Zvenigorod is located in the west, 50 km from Moscow, and is rightfully considered unique for its history, its location and vocation. It amazes with its beauty, unusual relief, marvelous views and hilly terrain. Zvenigorod was founded in the middle of the XII century by Yuri Dolgoruky and arose as a stronghold of the prince on the land of the Slavic settlement of Vyatichi. It stood on an important waterway, because the navigable Moscow river connected Moscow with the west. Unusually clean air, magnificent landscapes, ancient temples and winding streets - all this creates an unforgettable unique portrait of Zvenigorod.
Tour programme:
10:30 Arrival in Zvenigorod. Guide meeting
10.30 - 12.30 Sightseeing tour of Zvenigorod
A sightseeing tour of Zvenigorod includes acquaintance with its past and present, with the sights of the city and its memorable places. The tour route includes: inspection of the central part of the city, monuments, temples, merchant houses, Ascension Cathedral, a visit to the former Zvenigorod Kremlin, where today the ramparts and the oldest Assumption Cathedral of the XIV century with frescoes by Andrei Rublev, the holy source, places related to the life and activities of A.P. Chekhov are well preserved.
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14.00 – 16.00 Excursion to Savvino – Storozhevsky Monastery, Skete of St. Sava with Holy Source and Bathroom
The monastery is located 2 km from the center of Zvenigorod on the banks of the Moscow River. It was founded by the Monk Sava Storozhevsky, a disciple of Sergei of Radonezh at the end of the XIV century. The unique architectural ensemble of the monastery has been preserved to this day and now thousands of pilgrims and excursionists visit this famous Orthodox shrine. The monastery is functioning – monastic life is revived here, temples and famous bell ringings are restored, and farms are being maintained. The excursion program includes an inspection of the architectural ensemble of the monastery, acquaintance with its history, a visit to the Christmas Cathedral of the XV century, a walk along the fortress walls and climb to the watchtower. Visit the souvenir and grocery store (here you can buy monastery kvass, honey, bread and much more, collect holy water).
The monastery of St. Sava is located 1 km from Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and is rightly considered one of the most picturesque places of Zvenigorod land. The place is unique in beauty, location and spirit. The skit is located on a hillside on the bank of the Watchman River, surrounded by ancient springs. The ensemble of the hermitage was erected in the middle of the XIX century over the cave of St. Sava - a place of solitary prayers of the Zvenigorod wonderworker, so the history of the hermit has more than six centuries. Today the skete is active - there live the brethren - in the skete temple are prayer services, rebuilt bath. Guests of the hermitage do not leave indifferent its beauty, harmony and peace. In the program: inspection of the hermitage, acquaintance with its history, an ancient cave, springs, swimming in the bath.
16:30 - Departure to Moscow.